Werner convinced Chelsea can reach ‘new level’

Timo Werner believes Chelsea can reach a “new level” as they look to close the gap on Premier League rivals Manchester City and Liverpool.

The Blues could well be worth backing for the top prize this season – so it’s worth knowing how to find a bet365 bonus if you believe Frank Lampard’s side can take the title.

Germany international Werner had been heavily linked with newly-crowned champions Liverpool before joining Chelsea from RB Leipzig in June.

Werner made an encouraging start to his Chelsea career by scoring a debut goal in the 1-1 pre-season friendly draw with Brighton on Saturday.

And Frank Lampard has been working closely with the 24-year-old striker as the club look to challenge for the top prize once more.

“The work with the manager recently has been really good,” Werner told Chelsea’s website.

“He’s been showing and explaining to the whole team, not just me, what we can do on the pitch and how to improve on last season.

“He’s been great to work with and he’s been discussing his plans for the future, and how we want to battle with teams like Man City and Liverpool.

“I think Chelsea is a big club and with this team that we have, I think we can reach a new level.

“We’ve worked a lot on tactical things, as well as our strength and fitness, to make sure we are ready for the start of the season.”

Blues boss Lampard was pleased with what he saw from his new recruit at Brighton.

“I thought Timo was really sharp and bright,” he said.

“He got his goal really early in the game, he showed some of the qualities that I know very well he has, so I am very excited about having him in the squad.”

James and Ziyech nursing injuries

Lampard’s immediate concern ahead of the new campaign will be injuries to Reece James and new signing Hakim Ziyech.

Ziyech impressed on his first outing, helping to set up Werner’s goal at Brighton.

But he later went off with a knee problem, which is currently being assessed by Chelsea.

And James has withdrawn from the England Under-21 squad because of injury and been replaced by Tariq Lamptey.

Chelsea right-back James, who has previously been troubled by ankle problems, was called up for two European Under-21 Championship qualifiers against Kosovo and Austria.

The extent of his injury is not yet known but former Chelsea youngster Lamptey has been drafted in.

The Hillingdon-born Lamptey, 19, left Stamford Bridge to join Brighton in January.